Valemont University

Posted on: Monday, November 23, 2009 - 13:42

Our Legacy

In Great Expectations Charles Dickens described the day as

...one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.

I think the same can be said for our November here at Valemont. Our days have been bright and full of promise. But the shade revealed a darkness that we are just beginning to understand.

I had high hopes for this school year. We had an impressive incoming freshman class; our upperclassmen took them under their wing, passing down important school traditions. To be fair, I have witnessed young minds being transformed in the most glorious of ways, their eyes and hearts open with possibility.

But this year I have also witnessed destructive and anarchic behavior that is unprecedented.

In order to preserve our legacy we must identify the forces that would try to destroy us from within. We are launching an internal investigation into this matter starting immediately. In the meantime, all school business will be suspended. This includes academics, house activities, and extracurricular clubs. However, students may stay on campus at this time.

All academic activities will resume when our investigation concludes. We hope that this process will take only a month or two. However, as it is vital to our existence and your education at Valemont, it will take as long as it needs to in order to school be cleared of these destructive forces.

We may call upon you to assist us in with this inquest; if we require your assistance, we will let you know here or here.

May this not be the end, but only the beginning. Ex sanguine scientia, my friends.

Best regards,

Professor Blunt
Posted on: Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 14:31

Phones Hacked...

As some of you may know, Valemont University is under attack.

We are aware that some students have been receiving messages from those who choose to subvert everything we have worked toward for centuries at our school. All I can ask is that you remember what I wrote last week.

"...keep our Valemont traditions within the walls of our classrooms...That you take your studies as seriously as you take your own lives and the lives of your classmates...that you put into practice what we have taught you."

I will not have office hours this week, as I am meeting with university officials in order to discern the future of our school.

Best regards,

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Friday, November 13, 2009 - 12:02

Your Vow...

Today, select students will begin their journey down a path of discovery.

It may seem scary at first, but I assure you that we selected you to study at Valemont for this very purpose. You carry on the legacy of centuries of students before you.

While this path is exciting and new, I also would like to remind you that it also comes with a vow. A vow that has been kept for centuries.

And that vow is to keep our Valemont traditions within the walls of our classrooms. That you listen and learn from your professors. That you take your studies as seriously as you take your own lives and the lives of your classmates. That when you leave our campus, whether for holiday break or to graduate, that you put into practice what we have taught you.

Professor Traeger is expecting you in class. Make Valemont proud.

Best regards,

Professor Blunt
Posted on: Monday, November 9, 2009 - 13:41

Life at Valemont

A student came to see me during office hours last week. He was agitated and upset; although he had been a Valedictorian at his high school, he was having a difficult time adjusting to life at Valemont.

The academic and the social pressure that accompanies attending an exclusive school can feel endless. What I said to that student, and what I say to you now is that you were accepted to Valemont because we know that you are not only capable of withstanding the high demands that we place on you, but you were born to do so.

While Valemont can seem overly rigorous and structured at times, I assure you that the rules exist for a reason. There are students who think they can take shortcuts or bypass these rules. But I implore you to trust our venerable institution and it will take care of you, just like it has been taking care of students since 1646.

Peer groups are forming for those students who are having a difficult time dealing with the stress. They will meet every Wednesday and Friday at 5pm in the Lecture Hall, room 205. A trained staff member from the Sanitarium will be on hand to guide these sessions.

As always, I will be available during office hours if you need me.

Best regards,

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Thursday, November 5, 2009 - 12:52

Protecting Our School

Two weeks ago, I wrote about respecting your fellow students.

Today I remind you that you should show the same respect for the institution that is Valemont University.

Our school is one of the oldest in the United States, our history rich with achievement and discovery. Valemont prides itself on the quality of students that we attract every year.

Valemont's motto is Ex Sanguine Scientia - From Blood, Knowledge. You are the life force that flows through this university, and you are the ones who will carry our legacy into the world.

Do not forget this. Wear it as a badge of honor. And protect it for generations to come.

Best regards,

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - 13:56

You Are One of Us.

Tonight some very lucky students will have the opportunity to attend the Panthera House party.

I have written before that I truly believe Valemont students are chosen. I feel the same way about those who have been allowed entry to a House; whether Panthera, Crocodilia, Aotidae or Serpentes, House Members are special. You will discover how special you are in the years to come. I remind you to have an open mind, and an open heart for the path that lies before you.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind non-Panthera members to respect their privacy and their wishes. Only Panthera Members and their guests may attend tonight's party. Things like this will not be tolerated. Those behind it, whether a hoax or not, will be dealt with in a serious manner.

While you have attended Valemont for a short time, I am certain that this is the place you have always belonged. You are one of us. It's in your blood.

My office door is always open should you wish to talk.

Best regards,

Prof. Nicholas Blunt
Posted on: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - 10:20

House Parties

As the leaves change color and the air grows cooler, an air of excitement is growing on campus as we approach the date of Panthera House's Annual Hallowe'en Party. The party dates back to the 1800s, and not only is one of the premiere social events of the season, but also marks the midway point of our semester.

However, I will have to reiterate that House Parties are for House Members Only. While I understand the desire to be a part of this exclusive social scene, I remind you that respecting your fellow students' privacy is paramount. There will be other parties, and other opportunities of this kind - provided you show yourself to be the exemplary students that I know you are.

For those lucky enough to attend, this is the first step in forging the bonds of your new family at Valemont University.

Best regards,

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Friday, October 23, 2009 - 12:35

Respect

I was speaking to one of my students yesterday who was worried about something she had sent to a fellow student by mistake. I told her that she only needed to contact that student, explain the situation, and that I was sure that they would respect her wishes. She wasn't so sure.

It hasn't been that long since I was a student myself at Valemont. While the technology has changed, I would hope that the respect for your peers has not. While our beautiful campus spans many acres, you are essentially living in close quarters with people that you are just getting to know.

That proximity - whether it is with a roommate, a House member, a professor - should not be confused with familiarity. Please respect your fellow students' privacy. Your time at Valemont should be a time of personal exploration and discovery, but not at the expense of others.

Did the student in question do the right thing? I certainly hope so.

Best regards,

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - 10:33

Your New Family

The House system is part of the foundation that constitutes the Valemont experience. Many of you rushed last week, and hopefully you got into the House you wanted.

Being a member of a House has certain benefits, benefits that you will see as the weeks progress. Do not forget, however, the being a House Member is akin to being a part of a family. Just because you do not see your parents on a daily basis doesn't change the fact that they will always be your parents.

Your fellow House members are part of your family now; they are your brothers and sisters, forging a bond that will be deep and lasting. Long after you leave Valemont, they will remain your family.

Each House has traditions and rituals, forged by circumstance and history. This history will be passed down to you when the time is right. But whether it seems strange or commonplace, what goes on between those walls is sacred. It is a part of your Valemont experience that will last a lifetime.

Best regards,

Professor Blunt
Posted on: Friday, October 16, 2009 - 09:30

Zero Tolerance

To the persons responsible for hacking the Rush Week section of Valemont University's home page yesterday:

While you may find this a "funny" Rush Week "prank," we are not amused.

The House System is still under the control of the university, and we will not hesitate to exercise that power.

If such incidents continue to occur, we will revoke all new membership in the Houses, leaving you without a 2009 pledge class.

If you know the person or persons responsible, we suggest you report them immediately.

Thank you.

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - 12:17

Rush Week Begins!

Welcome to Rush Week!

Rush is an exciting time. Learning about the Houses and the students who are a part of them is one of the unique experiences at Valemont University. I encourage you to take full advantage of rush week and the various activities associated with it.

However, I will remind you that until you are a House Member, campus parties are off limits to Freshmen.

Everyone will be contacted by this year's Rush Week Chair, Beatrice Granville, who will explain how Rush Week works. While Beatrice is a member of Serpentes House, she has agreed to guide our new students through this exciting process. Miss Granville is both charming and helpful, and I'm sure she will be a great resource to you.

Miss Granville has told me that emails will start going out to students tomorrow (October 14.)

I would like to take this opportunity to remind students that if a House invites your to join and you choose that house, there is no going back. You are a member for life. So choose wisely.

Best regards,

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 - 11:36

Campus Life

Now that you're a few weeks into your first semester at college, I hope that you're getting acclimated to all of the opportunities that Valemont University has to offer. Some of you are concerned about picking a major. As a Student Adviser I see this conundrum arise every year.

I always offer students with this issue the same piece of advice: be open. First years at Valemont are ripe with possibility, and as the years progress you may see yourself in a different light. Things that had previously seemed out of reach will now rest in the palm of your hand, and the future will be yours to conquer.

Enjoy this first year at school. Get to know your classmates. Rush a house.

But I must warn you not to get so caught up in your social life that you neglect your studies. Valemont is a wonderful place to stretch your wings and test your boundaries, but it is also an academic institution and our standards our rigorous.

Best regards,

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Thursday, October 1, 2009 - 13:00

Lost?

Yesterday I ran into a new student wandering into my office. She asked if it was the Lecture Hall.

"It would be the smallest Lecture Hall I've ever seen," I responded.

She promptly burst into tears.

After I sent her on her way with a crudely drawn map (there is a reason I have never taught art), I learned that my attempt at lightheartedness wasn't reciprocated because our campus map wasn't working. I later apologized when I ran into her on Valemont Green.

As I've written before, college can be overwhelming. Not only do you have a new roommate, new instructors, and a new campus to master, but you are at a point in your life where you start making choices about how you want to live your life. Who are you? What do you want to be? How will you leave your mark on the Valemont community? Where do you belong?

Ask yourself these questions. You may not always have the same answers. And that's okay.

Speaking of answers, I sincerely hope that it was not one of our students who vandalized a section of books in the Valemont University Library late last night. If anyone has any information, please let us know by sending us a message here.

Best regards,

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - 11:55

New Beginnings.

Welcome New Students!

I understand that moving away from your friends and your family can be an overwhelming experience, but we are delighted to have you as a part of our Valemont student body. Hopefully you've had an opportunity to explore campus and learn where your classes are located, how to navigate the cafeteria and the library, and you've met your new roommate!

Some of you have inquired about entry into one of Valemont's Houses - Panthera House, Serpentes House, Crocodilia House and Aotidae House are off-limits to non-House members. You'll have the opportunity to rush a house during rush week in mid-October. In the meantime, please respect the privacy of those who live in the Houses.

One of the perks of being a Valemont student is that even when you graduate, you're always a part of the Valemont family. I am saddened that our school year had to begin with saying goodbye to one of the members of that family, but I'm relieved to report that Eric Gracen's sister has been located. I hope that this is a tragic chapter of Valemont's history that now can be put behind us, as we begin a fresh new year.

Best regards,

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - 10:58

Welcome New Students!

Today the Office of Admissions will be sending out its first round of acceptance emails to the new members of our Valemont University student body. I'd like to extend a warm congratulations - you've just taken a step towards a bright new future.

One of the most inspiring things about being a professor is witnessing a young mind open to a world of possibility. Valemont is an exceptional school, with exceptional students brimming with intellectual curiosity. There is nothing more gratifying than being able to make those first few marks on the tabula rasa.

I am saddened that our new beginnings must be tainted by the tragic circumstances of Eric Gracen. Eric seemed to 'come to life' here at Valemont. While we mourn, I firmly believe that the way we can best honor his memory is to carry on, representing the ideals of Valemont University and its centuries of tradition.

Welcome to campus, and what I promise will be the most unforgettable experience of your life!

Best regards,

Prof. Nicholas Blunt
Posted on: Thursday, September 17, 2009 - 16:41

One of Our Own Needs Your Help

Most of you have heard that Valemont University senior Eric Gracen's body was found earlier this week. It has been a shock to our tight-knit community, and I have spent the past two days with students and faculty sharing our memories of Eric and his time here at Valemont.

While there is little we can do besides share whatever we might know with police officials - Investigator Casey Loomis has information on how you can do so - right now we are busy trying to locate Eric's next of kin. Eric's application to Valemont University has been misplaced by the Office of Admissions, and an officer told me that the cell phone discovered with Eric contains no information about any family members.

As Eric's adviser, I was privy to hearing his hopes and dreams about the future. A future that was cut tragically short. Eric Gracen was one of us in life. And he remains one of us, even in death.

I am reaching out to you - the Valemont community - to ask if you have any information at all, please let the police know.

I will resume office hours next week.

Best regards

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 - 09:26

Eric Gracen Found

I have the sad task of informing the Valemont University community that a body found yesterday by a pair of hunters in Emry Forest has been positively identified as Eric Gracen. According to Investigator Loomis, the case is being investigated as a homicide.

This was not the outcome that any of us had hoped for - with the recent pranks being pulled around campus, I believed that perhaps Eric's disappearance was either a prank or a misunderstanding.

As an educator, I grieve for someone who never had the option to reach his true potential. As his Student Adviser, I grieve for my student and friend.

If any student needs to talk, my door is always open.

Best regards,

Prof. Nicholas Blunt
Posted on: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 - 14:49

What is Valemont University?

Education is a topic on everyone's minds as of late, from our President, who addressed our nation's youth on the importance of education, to the students who are returning to school for a brand new year. Even I wrote yesterday about the excitement I experience as an educator when student achieve their true potential through education.

You can only imagine my disappointment when yesterday, Valemont University's home page was hacked again.

As I've written previously, I enjoy a funny prank. But what occurred yesterday was neither funny nor acceptable. The heart that beats at the center of our university is you - our student body. School begins in just a few short weeks. Let's take that time to reflect on what we want our lasting legacy to be.

A group of pranksters, besmirching a school - your school's - reputation?

Or a group of students, dedicated to claiming their birthright, which is a top-notch education at one of the most exclusive schools in the country?

The choice is yours.

Best regards,

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Tuesday, September 8, 2009 - 10:10

Discovering Your True Potential

I think one of the best parts of working in education is the chance to start anew which each school year. As the leaves on campus change from green to yellow to red, I'm reminded of our prospective students walking through the gates of Valemont University for the first time, ready to be transformed by the power of education.

One of the questions we ask upon reviewing student applications is are you one of us? Sometimes that's mistaken for old-fashioned elite east-coast snobbery, but I sincerely believe that Valemont students are special - chosen, even - to attend our school. Every student who walks through my door is someone who has the opportunity to discover his or her true potential.

Can you imagine what an amazing world we would live in if we all lived up to that?

We are still accepting applications for the new school year. Letters of acceptance are being sent out in late September.

Are you one of us?

I'm looking forward to finding that out.

Best regards,

Prof. Nicholas Blunt
Posted on: Friday, September 4, 2009 - 11:44

Pranks are Not Always Amusing

I had hoped that we would kick off the Labor Day weekend here at Valemont on a cheerier note, but the events of yesterday are quite disturbing. As some of you may have seen, at approximately 11am yesterday, the Valemont University home page was hacked.

While pranks can be a fun part of college life - such as Aotidae House members reconfiguring the keys Panthera House a few years back - pranks such as yesterday's can severely damage a college's reputation. While the person or persons responsible may think this amusing, here at Valemont we take attacks on our school's character very seriously. We apologize if any students were offended or put off by yesterday's incident, and I promise that we have increased our web security tenfold.

In the meantime, Investigator Loomis will still be on campus today conducting interviews on the Eric Gracen case. We sincerely hope Eric is found safe before school starts, so please assist her in any way possible. If you cannot catch up with her on campus, please make sure to leave her a note on her blog.

Best Regards,

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Monday, August 31, 2009 - 13:45

Eric Gracen Investigation

As Eric's Student Adviser, it's my unfortunate duty to inform you that Eric Gracen has been upgraded to missing person status as of late last night. Valemont University staff, including myself, are working with local authorities to locate Eric. We are hoping that this is just a huge misunderstanding and that Eric is well and will return to Valemont for his senior year.

Valemont has hired private investigator named Casey Loomis to work in conjunction with the local police. Ms. Loomis has started a blog in hopes to reach out to the community and spread the word regarding Eric's disappearance. Her blog can be found here. I encourage any student or faculty member who might have seen Eric to please speak with Ms. Loomis as soon as possible.

I would like to reiterate to prospective students that the faculty and staff of Valemont University take your personal safety seriously. Campus security is on-call 24 hours a day, we are working on installing more lighting on campus walkways, and we have established a "Student Buddy" program so that no one has to walk across campus alone at night. At Valemont, we are always watching out for you.

We look forward to your applications and to seeing you on campus in the fall.

Best Regards,

Prof. Nicholas Blunt
Posted on: Friday, August 28, 2009 - 12:43

First Week on Campus

I hope everyone has enjoyed their first week on Valemont University's historic campus! The Admissions Committee is currently reviewing your applications.

If you have yet to apply for admission, I strongly encourage you do to so. As you may have noticed, we have locked certain sections of our website. For over three centuries, Valemont has made a strong commitment to privacy, so these sections are available to prospective students only.

If you're still not sure if a Valemont education is right for you, or you have any questions about campus life, I'd recommend that you follow some of our students on Twitter:

Sebastian Van Cleer

Beatrice Granville

Leonardo Wilson

Best regards,

Prof. Blunt
Posted on: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 09:14

Welcome to Valemont University!

As a Professor of Renaissance Literature and a Student Adviser, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Valemont University!

Valemont students discover their true potential through the highest quality education and a robust social life. Our House System, which is similar to the Greek System, is over three centuries old. Due to our exclusive admittance policy, our students receive personalized attention from faculty and staff alike.

Are you one of us? Apply to Valemont University, and discover the benefits of a Valemont education for yourself.

On another note, campus officials are currently seeking the whereabouts of Valemont University senior Eric Gracen, who was recently reported missing by a fellow student. As his Faculty Adviser, I am certain that this is a simple misunderstanding and that Eric will be located shortly. However, I ask that anyone who might have seen or heard from Eric to please let Campus Security know as soon as possible.

Best regards,

Prof. Nicholas Blunt